Stanly News Journal Vol. 145, Issue 92

Stanly NewS Journal

Crisp and clear

Fall is firmly here as the trees are almost finished changing, with Morrow Mountain in the distance, Stanly County to the left and Montgomery County to the right.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

U.S. employers add 119K jobs in September, government says in delayed report

U.S. employers added a suprisingly solid 119,000 jobs in September, the government said, issuing a key economic report that had been delayed seven weeks by the federal government shutdown. The Labor Department also said Thursday that the unemployment rate rose to 4.4% from 4.3% in August. The increase in payrolls was more than double the 50,000 economists had forecast. But Labor Department revisions showed that jobs fell by 4,000 in August instead of increasing by 22,000 as originally reported.

Solid job gain could make Fed rate cut less likely in December

Many Fed officials were already leaning against reducing their key rate for the third time this year at their meeting next month. The case for reducing borrowing costs has largely been based on the fear that the job market could be rapidly deteriorating. Yet in September, employers added 119,000 jobs, a modest increase but a clear improvement after a summer slowdown that saw employers shed jobs in June and August. The unemployment rate ticked higher to 4.4% from 4.3% but that largely occurred for what economists call a “good” reason — more Americans came off the sidelines to look for work and not all found jobs.

Albemarle Police Department issues arrest warrants following violent incidents

Anyone with information is advised to call 704 984-9500

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle Police Department has issued arrest warrants for two people who suspects in violent incidents that occurred Nov. 16.

Together, the two incidents left multiple people injured, prompted a brief vehicle chase and led to felony charges against the suspects, Jamya Funderburk and Eric Wilhite.

Both cases remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Burleson at the APD at 704-984-9500 or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.

Five injured in hit-and-run after crowd disturbance

The first incident occurred Nov. 16 around 3:30 a.m. when officers responded to reports of gunshots and a hit-and-run in the area of Coggins Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a crowd of roughly 50 people gathered outside.

One person had injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle and was taken to a hospital, according to APD.

Four additional victims later arrived at the hospital, each reporting that they had also been struck by a vehicle at the scene.

Investigators learned that a physical altercation earlier in the evening at a restaurant had involved several people, and a second confrontation unfolded on Coggins Avenue shortly before the vehicle entered the crowd.

Investigators identified the suspect as Funderburk, of Wadesboro. Officers recovered shell casings and a side mirror cover believed to belong to the

Stanly Chamber holds ribbon‑cutting event for The Art Place

The new art studio is located in downtown Albemarle

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony last week for its newest member, The Art Place. The event was held Nov. 14 at the art studio’s location at 132 South Depot St. in downtown Albemarle, where a

crowd gathered to celebrate owner Candi Russell and her family.

“After 19 years of teaching art in public schools, The Art Place owner Candi Russell is turning her passion into a community space where creativity and connection can thrive,” Stanly Chamber said in a statement.

“Our county has plenty of opportunities for athletes and performers, but very few for individual artists to grow and be celebrated. This studio

“Opening my own art studio has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember.”

Operations appear to be suspended in Raleigh as well

By Gary D. Robertson

The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — A federal immigration crackdown based in North Carolina’s largest city that authorities said led to hundreds of arrests is now over, a local law enforcement agency said Thursday.

A news release from the sheriff’s office in Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, said that federal officials have confirmed with Sheriff Garry McFadden that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection operation known as “Charlotte’s Web,” has officially concluded. No border agent operations will occur on Thursday, the news release said. The operation that began last weekend is the latest phase of Republican President Donald Trump ’s aggressive mass deportation efforts that have sent the military and immigration agents

into Democratic-run cities — from Chicago to Los Angeles.

A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection didn’t immediately respond Thursday to an email seeking a response about the sheriff’s statement.

The push to carry out arrests in North Carolina expanded to areas around the state capital of Raleigh on Tuesday, spreading fear in at least one immigrant-heavy suburb.

Late Wednesday, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said via the social platform X that “border patrol enforcement appears to have been suspended” in the city.

The number of arrests around Charlotte and beyond was about double the total announced by Homeland Security officials earlier this week. The department said in a statement that agencies “continue to target some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens.”

Their targets include people living in the U.S. without legal permission and those who allegedly have criminal records. Federal officials have offered few details about those

arrested. They’ve also remained quiet about the scope of the enforcement operations across North Carolina and where agents will show up next, keeping communities on edge. The crackdown in Charlotte has been met with pockets of resistance and protests. Immigration officials have blanketed the country since January, pushing detention counts to all-time highs above 60,000. Big cities and small towns across the country are targeted daily amid higher-profile pushes in places such as Portland, Oregon, where more than 560 immigration arrests were made in October. Smaller bursts of enforcement have popped up elsewhere.

Here’s

Nov. 27

25th

This

Nov. 10

• Daniel Arnell Robinson, 39, was arrested for felony larceny, felony conspiracy, and resisting a public officer.

• Tavaras Lamar Harris, 33, was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender.

Nov. 13

• Hannah Rebecca Nelson, 34, was arrested for maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substances, felony possession of cocaine, felony possession of schedule II controlled substance, possession of stolen motor vehicle, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Michael Lee White, 46, was arrested for driving while impaired, driving while license revoked with impaired revocation, open container, reckless driving to endanger, and reckless driving with wanton disregard.

Nov. 14

• Christopher David Postlewaite, 41, was arrested for failure to report new address as a sex offender.

• Charles Travis Swain, 46, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substances, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver methamphetamine, and resisting a public officer.

• Hailey Nicole Hiatt, 32, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a vehicle/ dwelling for controlled substances, and felony possession of schedule II controlled substance.

• Kayla Brooke Pope, 24, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny and misdemeanor conspiracy.

• Clyde Dase Dennis, 27, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny and misdemeanor conspiracy.

Dec. 2

Downtown

The

Santa. 29 Falls Road Badin

Dec. 3

Norwood Christmas Parade 5 p.m.

Sponsored by the Town of Norwood and Center Rural Fire Department, this annual celebration welcomes entries at no charge. Parade participants should arrive at the community center building on Turner Street at 4 p.m. for line-up directions. Downtown Norwood

Dec. 5

An Albemarle Downtown Christmas 5:30-8 p.m. Albemarle kicks off the Christmas season with a variety of events, including a tree lighting at City Hall, the opportunity to meet Santa in Courthouse Square Park, children’s

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Five essential lessons from the shutdown

Unless Republicans faltered, eventually some Democrats would break ranks.

Many lessons appear from the longest government shutdown on record; some obvious, some subtle. The most obvious is that the party with the strongest hand always wins unless the hand is badly misplayed. Republicans had by far the stronger hand, and they played it perfectly.

The Republican hand was initially weak, as their thin majorities are made thinner by members who dance to their own music.

The Republican hand greatly strengthened with the decision to seek a “clean” Continuing Resolution (CR). Democrats wanted a clean CR plus something extra — a huge change in policy from current law. The Republican position was much easier to communicate.

The Republican hand further strengthened when the House voted to keep the government open. Senate Republicans, backed by President Donald Trump, tried repeatedly to pass the CR only to be blocked by Democrats. Even some in the legacy media struggled to explain why Republicans were at fault for the shutdown when they voted repeatedly to keep the government open.

Lesson 1: The stronger hand wins. This lesson is repeated with every shutdown, but some legislators never seem to learn.

Lesson 2: The winner gets politically stronger, and the loser gets weaker. This one is playing out now in real time.

Further, as the stronger hand is apparent as a possible shutdown draws nigh, shutdowns gain the losers nothing of substance.

Lessons 1 and 2 lead to Lesson 3: Shutdowns

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

are stupid and, in the immortal words of Forrest Gump, “stupid is as stupid does.” Lesson 4: Leadership matters. The Democrats’ play could have worked, but only if Republican leadership faltered. Instead, Senate Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) understood their advantages and held firm, demonstrating an admirable stoutness.

Democrats? Not so much, though Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) gave it his best, while House Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) came along for the ride.

Schumer, the consummate professional, played his hand as well as possible, which is remarkable because he surely knew from the outset the truth of Lessons 1, 2 and 3. Three: Unless Republicans faltered, eventually some Democrats would break ranks.

Knowing defeat awaited, Schumer accepted battle only because his party demanded a fight, foolishly believing the shutdown would create “leverage,” in the words of House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.). Doubtless Schumer shook his head at such amateurism, first for saying the ugly part out loud and then for believing it.

What Schumer probably didn’t anticipate was that, once Republicans won, he would be blamed for losing, another Forrest Gump moment. Somebody’s got to take the blame, and it can’t be the radical left that demanded the fight, so Schumer gets scapegoated.

Some of the CR-supporting Democrats were the sensible moderates one expected.

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman was an early shutdown opponent.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a late CR “yea” vote, provides Lesson 5: Know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. Kaine understood Democrats would lose, but he wanted to use the real-world leverage of his vote to get something in return. Kaine got job security for the thousands of federal workers in his political base of Northern Virginia. Some call this shameful. Others smirkingly call it sausage-making. I call it legislating.

Then there is Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, the lone Senate Republican to oppose the CR. Paul’s gripe is that federal deficit spending is perilous. He’s right, but is he the only Republican who thinks so? Hardly. Standing on principle as usual, Paul clearly identified a problem only to fail to grasp the moment or offer a winning alternative. Rand’s fan club, of which the author is a member, can only shake their heads.

J.D. Foster is the former chief economist at the Office of Management and Budget and former chief economist and senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This column was first published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

The threat of an overproduced elite

I’ve called this group the barista proletariat.

SUCCESS BREEDS FAILURE. Policies and practices well suited to society at one juncture in history are often poorly suited to the world they have beneficially transformed. If you carry a good thing too far, it can turn out not to be a good thing anymore.

Case in point: One of the most successful public policies in U.S. history, the World War II GI Bill, which financed college educations for military veterans. Signed by former President Franklin Roosevelt, it embodied New Deal generosity even as its chief backers included the racist Democratic Mississippi Rep. John Rankin and the supposedly reactionary American Legion. One secret of its success, like that of Social Security, was apparent reciprocity: It provided benefits for those who made some contribution.

In doing so, it subsidized both economic and intellectual upward mobility for those from modest or even subsistence beginnings — the children of Appalachian coal miners, eastern and southern European immigrants, and even many black Americans whose service was limited to segregated units.

Taken together, their achievements not only increased the enrollment of colleges and universities (many of which disliked the democratization) but also vastly increased the size and capacities of the American economy.

This success embedded in the minds of elites and many ordinary Americans the notion that any further expansion of higher education would be good for individuals and the country. State legislatures founded new systems of universities and community colleges. Congress pumped large sums into higher education and took up the idea of somehow subsidizing loans to college and graduate students.

As a result, the share of Americans pursuing higher education rose from just 5% before WWII to nearly two-thirds today, with almost 40% earning a bachelor’s degree. Those

numbers have been increased by seemingly generous student loans, the proceeds of which are gobbled up by a vast increase in higher education administrators (they now outnumber teachers) and by ever-higher tuitions.

As Charles Murray argued in his 2008 book “Real Education,” these are far higher percentages than the share of the population with the cognitive skills needed to profit from serious four-year undergraduate study, much less advanced graduate school. Schools have responded with reduced rigor and grade inflation to the point that, as Palantir CEO Alex Karp noted, “Inflated grades have degraded the value of college degrees.”

The result is that American society, which before the GI Bill tended to provide higher education to too few, now provides it to too many. Consequently, we have what the maverick scholar Peter Turchin called an “overproduction of elites.”

One consequence is that the economic premium from a bachelor’s degree is becoming smaller, if not vanishing. Another is that there is a glut of college graduates entering the labor market — some 7 million since January 2020 — while the number of those without such a degree is declining. A country with shortages of construction workers and truck drivers has a glut of people whose credentials lead them to think they should be running things.

The result, as Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel predicted back in 2020, is a crash in expectations, as young people facing an expensive housing market with disappointing salaries and high costs will “find it very hard to start accumulating capital in the form of real estate and then if one has no stake in the capitalist system, then one may well turn against it.”

All of which helps explain the election of the self-proclaimed democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor of New York City. His core constituency was “a group that

has become increasingly central to American politics,” John Carney wrote in the New York Post. “The downwardly mobile professionals, the overproduced graduates of our university system, raised to expect middle-class stability and discovering instead that the system has little to offer beyond high rent and burnout.”

Or, as Gregory Conti said in an interview with The Economic Times, his core constituency was “the college-educated, cashstrapped professional middle class.”

I’ve called this group the barista proletariat, and it has proved crucial not only in New York but also in the election of teachers union official Brandon Johnson as mayor of Chicago in 2023 and in the elevation of university towns over industrial cities as the most Democratic counties in presidential target states.

Nationally, this is a splinter group. Mamdani got just 50.4% of the vote in a city where the last four Democratic presidential nominees got 68%, 76%, 79% and 81%. But the command of police forces in central cities with a disproportionate share of the nation’s economic product and violent crimes has consequences.

Surveys show that Mamdani received high percentages from recent migrants to New York and from young voters. Neither has memories of how the crimefighting policies of former Mayors Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg made the city — and, in particular, their gentrified neighborhoods — more liberal. Nor have they experienced the repeated failures of rent control and socialist provision, which Mamdani has championed. The overproduced elite is well positioned to inflict major damage on the nation it disdains but feels entitled to lead.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.”

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

Ned Edward Lowder Sr.

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Aug. 7, 1937 – Nov. 13, 2025

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Ned Edward Lowder Sr., 88, of Fair Play, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on November 13, 2025. Born in Albemarle, North Carolina on August 7, 1937, he was the son of Malvern Adolphus Lowder and Bessie Geneva (Hahn) Lowder, of Albemarle.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

Ned was a proud 1955 graduate of Albemarle High School, and he faithfully attended his class reunions until he could no longer travel. He later served in the Army Security Agency during the Cold War where he worked as a code breaker on the Germany-Czech border.

Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Garfield.

In 1961, Ned enrolled at Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, North Carolina. Ned graduated in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, he then went on to have a long and successful career in computer software sales.

IN MEMORY

ETHEL MAE SHAVER DENNIS

MARCH 5, 1931 – NOV. 15, 2025

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran.

Ethel Mae Shaver Dennis, 94, of Albemarle, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Trinity Place. Her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ron Honeycutt officiating. Burial will follow at Anderson Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle. Born March 5, 1931, in Stanly County, Ethel was the daughter of the late Otis Shaver and Bessie Smith Shaver. She was a devoted member of Anderson Grove Baptist Church and spent her life working with diligence, skill, and purpose. A talented seamstress and dedicated waitress, she owned and operated Dennis Ready Wear for over 30 years. She also worked in several beloved Stanly County fish houses, including Stony Gap Fish House, Jay’s Seafood, and Blue Bay, where many came to know her warm spirit and unmatched work ethic.

He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

Ethel will be remembered as the hardest-working woman many ever knew- a resilient, deeply motivated, and businessminded lady whose strength set an example for everyone around her. Her faith was central to her life, and she remained active in her church community. Family was her heart. She loved nothing more than visiting with loved ones, hosting family reunions for both her own family and her husband’s, and bringing people together around the table.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

A gifted cook and gracious hostess, Ethel welcomed neighbors, friends, and the many children who helped her husband, Raeford, feeding them with the same generosity she showed her family. She had an extraordinary ability to make the most of every moment; productivity, purpose, and service defined how she lived each day.

DONALD CARPENTER

JAN. 27, 1942 – NOV. 18, 2025

John B. Kluttz

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.

Doris Jones Coleman

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

William Donald Carpenter, 83, of Albemarle, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood. Donald was born on January 27, 1942, in Stanly County to the late Johnny Alexander and Margie Harris Carpenter. He retired from Propst Construction and was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Bob Carpenter, Burt Carpenter and Gypsie Chapman. He is survived by his wife, Hilda Bailey Carpenter of the home; Ronnie Carpenter (Pat) of Norwood and Lori Tavera (Torrence Drye) of Albemarle; five grandchildren: Brandi Carpenter (Kyle), Brandon Carpenter, David Carpenter (Kensey), Veronica Woodard (Alex), and Vanessa Tavera; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Mountain View Baptist Church.

REV. ARVAL LANE RUSHING

APRIL 24, 1942 – NOV. 18, 2025

Ned is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Diane Lewis Lowder, son and daughter-inlaw Ned “Chip” Lowder Jr. and Kristen Lowder of Ball Ground, Georgia, his daughter Kelly Lowder Baldwin of Cumming, Georgia, his sister-in-law Linda Lewis and his beloved grandchildren, Anna Lowder Deets, William Lowder, Jack Baldwin and Katie Baldwin.

Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ stanlynewsjournal.com

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raeford Dennis, in 2014; her son, Ronald F. Dennis; her daughter, Nancy Shaver Pool; her siblings Rob Shaver, Hubert Shaver, Clyde Shaver, and Katherine Roberts.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty.

Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Dora Dennis Efird and husband Steve of Albemarle, daughter-in-law, Bobbie Dennis of Albemarle; seven grandchildren: Gary Shaver (Tina) of Albemarle, Heath Efird (Michelle) of Albemarle, Philip Dennis (Melissa) of Danville, VA, Eric Efird (Rebecca) of Albemarle, John Dennis (Sheila) of Albemarle, Elizabeth Dennis (Scott Vaughan) of Camden, NC, and Paul Dennis of Paige, TX; 18 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Roy Roberts of Mt. Gilead.

He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

Ethel’s legacy is one of devotion, generosity, and tireless love-a life lived faithfully, fully, and always in service to others.

GEORGE HUGHES BURLESON

NOV. 6, 1947 – NOV. 15, 2025

George Hughes Burleson, 78, of Albemarle, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Atrium Carolina Medical Center.

George was born on November 6, 1947, in Albemarle, NC, to the late Ted Eugene Burleson and the late Carolyn Douglas Hughes Burleson. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Ann B. Purser, brother-in-law, Billy Purser, nephew, Jamie Purser, and niece, Nicole Blackburn.

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

George graduated from Albemarle High School in 1966. He attended Wingate College before enlisting in the Marine Corps. After completing the initial training, he did one tour in Vietnam. Completing his enlistment with the Marines, he returned to Albemarle, where he retired after 27 years with Alcoa, where he was inducted into the 25-year club. In his later years, he returned to the family farming business, Burleson Brothers, where he later became owner/operator of Red Hill Farms, until he had to retire due to health issues. He was also co-owner and operator with his wife, Darlene, at Mountain Brook Golf Course for many years.

When John purchased his first Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long fight in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away fighting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC.

Rev. Arval Lane Rushing, 83, of Monroe, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Mill Grove Church of Midland, officiated by Rev. Steve Brown, Rev. Jeff Rushing, and Rev. Bob Sturge. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, November 20, 2025, from 6-8:30 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust.

Born April 24, 1942, in Union County, Rev. Rushing was the son of the late Archie and Julia Clontz. He is survived by his loving wife, Willie Mae Rushing, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily. While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

Rev. Rushing leaves behind his children, Glenda Hinson Baucom (Grover Baucom-Deceased), Cynthia Hinson Starnes (Mike), Genene Rushing Watkins (David), Dawn Rushing Smith (George), and Darren Vance Rushing, all of Monroe, NC; his grandchildren, Ashley (Tucker), Megan (Jason), Heather (Josh), Kristen (Sean), Dillion (Shelby), and Lauren; and greatgrandchildren, Paityn, Lincoln, Tessa, Hudson, Addilyn, Ollie, Cora, Teagan, and Maddox. He is also survived by his sisters, Sonia Haigler and Tonia Merritte (Mike).

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.

He was preceded in death by his brother, JB Clontz. Arval spent twenty-three years at Charlotte Pipe and Foundry as a machinist before being called into the ministry in 1980. He was a devoted servant of the Lord; Rev. Rushing served as Pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Monroe for nine years. He was later called to Pastor at Mill Grove United Methodist Church in Midland and Pine Bluff United Methodist Church in Stanfield for a total of twenty years. After retirement, he spent his days enjoying gardening with his beloved wife Mrs. Willie, and hunting and fishing with his family and friends. After many years of retirement, he went back to his home church Union Grove United Methodist Church as an interim Pastor for three years. He then returned to Mill Grove Church of Midland as a visitation Pastor for an additional nine years until he was called into his heavenly home. His ministry touched countless lives, and his steady faith and humble spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

George had a good work ethic, dependable, easy-going, kind and considerate. He was always putting others first and lending a helping hand wherever one was needed. Most of all, George was a loving husband, dad and granddaddy. This man will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

George was a devoted husband to his wife, Darlene, for 30 years, a loving father to his daughter, Shyane Burleson (Hernan), and a doting granddaddy to Solana Elaine Vera Burleson. He was also survived by stepchildren; Shane Harkey (Manda) and Amy Hammonds, step-grandchildren, Jack and Molly Harkey, Jada and Draco Hammonds, and also eight greatgrandchildren.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

George’s Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Lakeview Baptist Church, 32496 Pennington Road, Albemarle, officiated by Rev. Don Burleyson & Rev. Trent Drye. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men.

John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

Rev. Rushing was a wonderful father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather who cherished time with his family. He also enjoyed treasured trips to the mountains and never turned down a good hamburger steak. His warmth, humor, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to: Mill Grove Church of Midland Building Fund or the Senior Bus Fund.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, outfits for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

EDWARD ZANE BARRINGER SR. DEC. 7, 1939 – NOV. 19, 2025

Edward Zane Barringer Sr., age 85, of Gold Hill, NC, passed away on November 19, 2025, at home surrounded by the love of his family.

Mr. Barringer was born on December 7, 1939, in Gold Hill, North Carolina, to the late Glenn George Barringer and the late Gladys Marie Eagle Barringer. He is preceded in death by a son, Edward “Eddie” Zane Barringer Jr., and a granddaughter, Caroline Grace London, as well as brothers, Norman P. Barringer and George W. Barringer.

The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the historic Matton’s Grove Methodist Church, with a celebration of life to follow at 11 a.m. officiated by Reverend Martha McDowell Hayes. Overflow will be in the new Matton’s Grove Sanctuary.

Mr. Barringer was a dedicated and lifelong hardworking member of Wesley Chapel UMC in the village of Misenheimer. Survivors include wife, Margaret Kay Williams Barringer of Gold Hill, NC, and daughter, Anne London (Jeff) of Richfield. He has one surviving sister, Sylvia Barringer Faulk of Richfield, grandchildren Sarah Shaw (Justin) of Bear Creek, Madalyn Jones (Matt) of Albemarle, Grey London (Taylor) of Gold Hill, great-grandchildren Amelia and Wyatt Shaw, River Jones and Macie Grey and Sawyer London.

Mr. Barringer was born and raised on the family farm in Gold Hill. He graduated from Richfield High School in 1959 and served in the Army. He married his high school sweetheart in July of 1961 at the same place where the service will take place. He worked at Collins and Aikman for 45 years, making many great friends along the way. Mr. Barringer also had many lifelong friends with whom many memories were made. Working the farm and watching the crops produce was a favorite pastime of his. He enjoyed his time as a beekeeper and collecting the sweet honey. Most of all he loved to share what he collected in the cutest little honey bears. He enjoyed the process of restoring his antique Allis-Chalmers “G” tractor and resting on the back porch watching the birds. In his lap, could be found his very special dog, Baby. They were inseparable until she crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving his heart forever touched by her loss. Many years later, he loved taking joyrides with his wife, Kay, to admire other farmers’ crops and to take in the beautiful views that Stanly County’s farmland had to offer. Most of all, he loved his family. He dearly loved his wife, Kay, of 64 years, and his children, Eddie and Anne, but his life took on a new meaning when his grandchildren were born, and now his five greatgrandchildren. They certainly put a smile on his face and added peace to his soul. As Mr. Barringer wrote in his journal in his final days, “Life alone is the best gift we will ever have.” Memorials may be sent to Tillery Compassionate Care of Albemarle: 960 N First St, Albemarle, NC 28001 and “Live out Luke” Endowment Fund payable to: NC Baptist Foundation at 201 Convention Drive, Cary, NC 27511. Also, to Wesley Chapel UMC “Cemetery Maintenance Fund.” Please include “Cemetery Maintenance” in the memo portion of the check to help ensure the cemetery is kept beautifully maintained in his memory. Please mail to: PO Box 1532, Misenheimer, NC 28109.

Germany’s Kessler twins, who became dance stars in ’50s and ’60s, dead at 89

They toured worldwide, including with Fred Astaire and Frank Sinatra

The Associated Press

BERLIN — Alice and Ellen Kessler, twin dancers and singers who launched their career in the 1950s and performed with Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and Harry Belafonte among others, have died, police in Germany said Tuesday. They were 89. The death of the twins in Grünwald, a prosperous suburb of Munich where they shared a house, was reported by German newspaper Bild and news agency dpa on Monday, without named sources. Munich police on Tuesday confirmed the deaths, saying in an emailed statement that it was a “joint suicide.”

The Kessler twins learned to dance at a young age and joined the Leipzig Opera children’s ballet. In 1952, when they were 16, their family fled

to West Germany, where they danced in a revue theater in Düsseldorf. In 1955, the sisters were discovered by the director of the Lido cabaret theater in Paris, where their international career took off.

In the 1960s, the Kessler twins toured worldwide, moved to Rome and performed with Astaire, Sinatra and Belafonte. They turned down an offer to appear with Elvis Presley in “Viva Las Vegas” in 1964 for fear of becoming defined by musical films in America, dpa reported.

Even at 80, the sisters appeared on stage in a musical. Alice said shortly before their 80th birthday that they probably wouldn’t have managed to perform for so long alone.

Being a twosome “only has advantages,” she said. “Together you’re stronger.”

Asked about the secret of their success, she remarked: “Discipline, every day. Gratitude, time and again. Humility, not cockiness. And togetherness. Until death.”

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a business in the 1400 block of East Main Street for a reported assault at around 6 p.m. Police said an individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the altercation.

As officers were responding to the scene, they located a suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop by activating their emergency lights and sirens. The driver did not stop initially, but the suspect later exited

At the Albemarle Police Department, we are committed to transparency, accountability and working with you to keep our city safe.”

Ryan Manley, Albemarle

police chief

the vehicle and ran from officers near Henson Street.

While pursuing the suspect on foot, officers heard a single gunshot and immediately sought cover. No officers were injured.

Members of the APD’s Special Response Team searched a residence where the suspect was believed to be hiding, but he was not found. Police later identified the suspect as Wilhite, of Albemarle.

Warrants were obtained charging Wilhite with assault inflicting serious injury, resist-

ing a public officer, possession of a firearm by a felon, communicating threats, and failure to stop for blue lights and sirens.

Police said the incident does not appear to be random and the individuals involved knew one another.

“These incidents are a reminder that no patrol strategy or policy can completely prevent acts of violence when someone is intent on causing harm,” Albemarle Police Chief Ryan Manley said. “That said, Albemarle continues to be a safe community.”

Manley said the city’s violent crime dropped 14% and total crime dropped 17% in October 2025 compared to October 2024.

“These numbers reflect the hard work of the Albemarle Police Department and our strong community partnerships,” he said. “True safety is not created by law enforcement alone — it is built on collaboration. At the Albemarle Police Department, we are committed to transparency, accountability and working with you to keep our city safe.”

Care

packages and cardstock

turkeys:

first and second ladies visit Marines and their relatives

Melania Trump and Usha Vance went to Camp Lejeune on Wednesday

By Darlene Superville and Will Weissert

The Associated Press

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER — Melania Trump and Usha Vance on Wednesday marked the Thanksgiving season by visiting with Marine Corps members in North Carolina and saluting the sacrifices of military families, who make up “the quiet strength of our nation,” the first lady said.

The wives of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance used their first trip together outside of Washington, D.C. to visit with students attending school at Camp Lejeune, the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast, and deliver upbeat remarks to some 1,600 uniformed, cheering Marines and their families at Marine Corps Air Station New River.

“Please know that our nation is thinking of you, praying for you and deeply grateful for your service,” Trump said of all service members stationed far from home during the holidays, speaking from a stage flanked by parked tanks and helicopters.

Trump also stressed the growing importance of artificial intelligence to the military, noting that “technology is changing the art of war.”

“Predictably, AI will alter war more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons,” she said, also noting that “we are moving from human operators to human overseers fast.”

Trump and Vance both recognized the just-passed 250th anniversary of the Marines, and the second lady said “military families are truly a model for our country and for my own family.” The vice president is a former Marine.

Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo Jr. said visits by dignitaries like the first and second lady “matter because they show our families their service and sacrifices are seen and appreciated.”

Trump and Vance’s speeches followed school visits where they discussed AI with high schoolers and helped younger children with crafts, including making turkeys from cardstock and Elmer’s glue.

They listened to a presentation by students in an advanced placement research class from the Lejeune High School “Devilpups,” recalling the Marine Corps’ “Devil Dog” nickname, and had discussions about technological development.

Four female students demon-

strated how they used AI to generate videos for their research into how electronic media affects sleep and adolescent wellbeing, as well as a study on social media addiction and how it affects young people’s esteem and body image.

Trump and Vance later walked to the gymnasium, where students had assembled 2,000 care packages of goodies, including jerky sticks, for service members away from home. The first lady told the crowd that she and the president always think of U.S. service members but “especially during the holidays.” They also spent time with

kindergarteners and first-grade students at DeLalio Elementary School, entering classrooms where each table had been laid with folders from Be Best, Trump’s child-focused initiative. The folders held a puzzle, pen and sticker for each student, along with a bookmark from the second lady.

Trump told one girl in pigtails that she was “beautiful.”

The patriotic ribbon pinned to the girl’s light blue top meant one of her parents is on active deployment. Several of her classmates also sported the ribbon, as did many in the larger group of students making

cardstock turkeys.

Trump also engaged in a lengthy conversation with a first-grade girl before offering: “Very nice. I love your story.”

Trump and Vance have appeared together at other public events, though not on the road. Most notably, they were together at the inauguration of their husbands at the U.S. Capitol in January.

Other joint appearances came at a White House event celebrating military mothers and a luncheon for Senate spouses, both in May; the opening night of “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center in June;

“Please know that our nation is thinking of you, praying for you and deeply grateful for your service.”

First lady Melania Trump

and the president’s signing last week of an executive order to help foster children, which also came as part of Be Best.

Melania Trump has centered her work around children, launching Be Best during her husband’s first term to focus on their welfare, online safety and opioid abuse.

Last month, she announced that eight children displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war had been reunited with their families following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this year, the first lady lobbied Congress to pass legislation imposing federal penalties for online sexual exploitation, often targeting young girls. The president signed the bill into law in May.

Usha Vance, a former lawyer, launched a “Summer Reading Challenge” to encourage students in kindergarten through eighth grade to read 12 books during the school break. Certificates and prizes were promised to those who completed the challenge.

The second lady often accompanies the vice president on his trips and sometimes brings along their three young children.

Arrests now top 250 in immigration crackdown across North Carolina

DHS says the targets are “some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens”

By Gary D. Robertson

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Federal agents have now arrested more than 250 people during a North Carolina immigration crackdown centered around Charlotte, the state’s largest city, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday.

The operation that began over the weekend is the latest phase of Republican President Donald Trump’s aggressive mass deportation efforts that have sent the military and immigration agents into Democratic-run cities — from Chicago to Los Angeles.

Immigration officials have blanketed the country since January, pushing detention counts to all-time highs above 60,000. Big cities and small towns across the country are targeted daily amid higher-profile pushes in places such as Portland, Oregon, where more than 560 immigration arrests were made in October. Smaller bursts of enforcement have popped up elsewhere.

The push to carry out arrests in North Carolina expanded to areas around the state capital of Raleigh on Tuesday, spreading fear in at least one immigrant-heavy suburb.

Late Wednesday, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said via the social platform X that “border patrol enforcement appears to have been suspended” in the city. DHS did not announce a change to its presence and did

not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The number of arrests around Charlotte and beyond during what the government has dubbed “ Operation Charlotte’s Web” was about double the total announced by DHS officials earlier this week. The department said in a statement that agencies “continue to target some of the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens.”

Their targets include people living in the U.S. without legal permission and those who allegedly have criminal records. Federal officials have offered few details about those arrest-

ed. They’ve also remained quiet about the scope of the enforcement operations across North Carolina and where agents will show up next, keeping communities on edge. The crackdown in Charlotte has been met with pockets of resistance and protests.

About 100 people gathered outside a Home Depot store in Charlotte on Wednesday, where federal agents have been spotted multiple times since the surge started. Protest organizers briefly went inside the store with orange and white signs that read, “ICE out of Home Depot, Protect our communities.”

“ICE out of Home Depot, Protect our communities.” Protest sign

Arrests in Charlotte and the Raleigh area have created a chilling effect in immigrant neighborhoods — school attendance dropped, and small shops and restaurants closed to avoid confrontations between customers and federal agents.

Customers at a laundromat left behind their clothes in washers and dryers and haven’t returned after agents showed up at a Charlotte shopping center on Sunday, said David Rebolloso, who owns the business.

Agents didn’t target his laundromat, but it still impacted his bottom line and shut down the neighboring shops, said Rebolloso, a Mexican American born in Brownsville, Texas.

“We’re only open because I’m an American citizen, so it doesn’t bother me,” he said. “But of course, business is down. I have no customers.”

Just days after beginning the crackdown in North Carolina, Border Patrol agents were expected to arrive in New Orleans by the end of the week to start preparing for their next big operation in southeast Louisiana, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press and three people familiar with the operation.

Around 250 federal border agents are set to descend on New Orleans in the coming weeks for a two-month immigration crackdown expected to begin in earnest on Dec. 1. Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol commander tapped to head the Louisiana sweep, has been on the ground in North Carolina this week, leading the operation there as well.

Louisiana Republicans voiced their support on Wednesday. The chair of the state party, Derek Babcock, said it shows a commitment from Trump and Republican Gov. Jeff Landry to “keeping our citizens safe.”

The head of the state’s American Civil Liberties Union chapter said they were compiling information to help people know their rights and coordinating with legal services and groups connected with the immigrant community.

“We urge those with privilege and the opportunity to risk it to stand up for their neighbors and friends,” said Alanah Odoms with the ACLU of Louisiana.

Albemarle leaders and Stanly Chamber members join The Art Place owner Candi Russell and her family during a grand opening ceremony on Nov. 14.

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fills that gap by offering classes, workshops, parties and events that bring people of all ages together in a creative, welcoming place. Parties and events do not have to be art-themed, so no matter your interests, contact them for help planning any special occasion in our party room.”

Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael, Economic Development Director Lindsey Almond and Administrative and Events Coordinator Louisa Jane Hartsell were in attendance at the event, among other city leaders and Stanly Chamber members.

A tour of the new studio was also held to explore the new space that is designed to spur

creativity for all ages through art classes, camps, workshops and a dedicated party room. With a variety of art forms to engage in such as painting, drawing, mixed media and more, students at The Art Place can enjoy exposure to different styles and techniques in a supportive environment.

“Opening my own art studio has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember,” Russell said in a statement. “I wanted to create a space that feels inspiring, welcoming and full of possibility — not just for kids, but for families, individuals and anyone looking to reconnect with their creativity.”

“In addition to teaching, I’ve spent years hosting paint par-

ties, creating custom art commissions and finding joy in the many ways art can bring people together. Whether it’s through workshops, classes or personal projects, my goal is always the same: to make art fun, meaningful, and accessible for everyone.” The new art studio in Albemarle accepts booking requests for classes and party reservations at theartplacestanly.com.

On Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon, The Art Place will host a two-hour “Christmas Card Making” session for ages 5 and up where each participant will leave with at least a dozen handmade cards with envelopes. Tickets are currently on sale for $20.

What is hospice care?

Hospice care aims to ease pain in patients who are not expected to recover from their condition; life expectancy is 6 months or less and treatment is no longer being pursued.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care aims to ease pain and help with symptoms caused by a chronic or serious illness but is not considered to be life-limiting at this time. This service adds an extra layer of support working in conjunction with an individual’s medical team and life-prolonging medications or treatments.

www.tiller ycompassionatecare.org

For questions or to seek care, call us today at 704.983.4216. Visit us at Tiller yCompassionateCare.org

STANLY SPORTS

Gray Stone boys’ soccer reaches 2A state championship

The Knights previously won a state title in 2023

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — Two years after winning the NCHSAA 1A state championship, the Gray Stone boys’ soccer team has made it to the state title game again.

The No. 3 Knights (16-3-4) — the 2A West Regional champs — were set to square off with the No. 1 Manteo Redskins (19 - 4)

in the 2A state championship game on Friday afternoon at Guilford College. This season, marking the team’s transitional year to the 2A classification, the Knights found postseason success again. While all five Stanly County boys’ soccer teams earned state playoff seeds ranging from No. 3 to No. 24 in their respective brackets, Gray Stone was the only local squad to advance past the second round of action.

After a first-round bye, the Knights defeated No. 14 Hayesville 8-0 in a second-round

home game Nov. 6, blanking the Yellow Jackets 8-0 in Misenheimer; Gray Stone then shut out No. 6 Murphy in a 3-0 third-round victory at home Nov. 10.

For a fourth-round matchup Nov. 13, the Knights traveled to Gastonia, where they defeated No. 2 Highland Tech 3-2.

Advancing to the regionals, Gray Stone returned home to Misenheimer, as a 1-1 tie with No. 5 Community School of Davidson was decided by a 4-2 shootout victory for the Knights.

The Knights’ four state playoff wins led them to their 2A state title game with the Redskins, a team that claimed a share of the Albemarle Conference championship this season.

On their path heading to Gray Stone, the Redskins previously logged a 5-1 second-round win over No. 16 Lakewood, a 3-0 third-round win over No. 8 Triangle Math and Science, a 3-0 fourthround win over No. 12 Voyager Academy and a 2-0 East Regional win over No. 6 Research Triangle.

With an 8-1-1 conference record, Gray Stone landed second in the Yadkin Valley Conference this season behind Union Academy.

The Knights, led by coach Brad Harrington, have been anchored on the field by a group of five players who have each logged at least 10 goals: seniors Anthony Varbanov (14), Auden Pethel and Donovan Christlieb (10), junior Walker Bullard (12) and sophomore Matthew Burleson (11).

Christlieb ranks 15th in the 2A class with 13 assists, while senior goalkeeper Matt Lappin ranks sixth in goals against average (.949).

In total, 14 different Knights have each scored at least one goal this season, adding up to a balanced team that has once again been able to engineer an extended state playoff run.

Pfeiffer women’s basketball downs Regent in blowout

The Falcons are 2-1 to start the 2025-26 season

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — Less than two weeks into the 2025-26 campaign, the Pfeiffer women’s basketball team already has a blowout win on its resume that it can use as a building block for rest of the season.

On Nov. 15, the Falcons (2-1) took down the Regent Royals (0-4) in a 80-43 home landslide in Merner Gym, powered by a dominant fourth quarter where Pfeiffer outscored its opponent 30-2.

Third-year Pfeiffer coach Vontreece Hayes is hoping to turn the Falcons women’s hoops program around, aiming for the team’s first winning season since the 2017-18 campaign. Last year, her team came close to that mark with an 11-13 overall record and 8-8 mark in USA South Athletic Conference play. Hayes said she liked what she saw during her team’s recent matchup with the Royals, during which the Falcons transformed a two-point halftime lead into a 37-point victory. Playing with an aggressive mindset on defense, Pfeiffer

also forced 42 turnovers and converted them into 46 points. “At the end of the day, we’re getting ready for conference play,” Hayes said. “We’re really intentional at making sure we find ways to find our

momentum in the fourth quarter. As people are cheering us on in the fourth quarter, we have our own measurements inside our program. That was really, really big for us.” Sophomore guard Ava Hair-

ston led Pfeiffer with 15 points, four rebounds and four assists, while junior guard Lettie Michael and grad student forward Nyree Bell combined for 21 points and 10 rebounds. Junior guard Miya Horton logged

“At the end of the day, we’re getting ready for conference play.”

Vontreece Hayes, Pfeiffer coach

a balanced stat sheet with nine points, eight assists, nine steals and seven rebounds.

The Falcons opened their season on Nov. 9 with a 62-50 home win over Warren Wilson, followed by a 73-69 overtime loss at Johnson and Wales three days later.

“We definitely took that loss very hard,” Hayes said of the road loss to the Wildcats. “We’re passionate, we’re competitive. We really wanted that game. But like I said in practice, we needed that loss. We needed that experience because now we know what it feels like to play in the atmosphere that Johnson and Wales gave us. We have to find ways to still win, even when turning the ball over.”

Pfeiffer will begin its 18-game slate of USA South play Saturday as the Falcons head to Greensboro College. The team will then return home on Tuesday to host Salem in Misenheimer.

Heath, O’Reilly elected to US Soccer Hall of Fame

The former Tar Heel women’s stars lead a class of seven

The Associated Press

FRISCO, Texas — Women’s World Cup champions and Olympic gold medalists Tobin Heath and Heather O’Reilly were elected last Thursday to the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame along with men’s players Tony Sanneh and Chris Wondolowski.

Referee Kari Seitz also was elected along with Kevin Crow, known primarily for his time in indoor soccer.

They will be inducted May 1 at the hall in Frisco, Texas.

O’Reilly, 40, was a forward and winger who scored 47 goals in 231 international appearances, helping the U.S. win the 2015 World Cup and Olympic gold medals in 2004, 2008 and 2012. She won league titles with Sky Blue in 2009 in Women’s Professional Soccer and with Kansas City in 2015 and North Carolina in 2019 in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Heath, 37, was a midfielder

celebrates after scoring against New Zealand during their first round soccer match at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

and forward who had 36 goals in 181 appearances, winning World Cup titles with the U.S. in 2015 and 2019, and Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012.

Wondolowski, 42, is Major League Soccer’s career scoring leader with 171 regular-season goals and two in the playoffs, playing for San Jose (2005, 2009-21) and Houston (200609). He scored 11 goals in 35 international appearances, play-

ing in two games at the 2014 World Cup.

Sanneh, 54, was a defender who scored three goals in 43 international appearances, starting all five games for the U.S. at the 2002 World Cup as the Americans reached the quarterfinals in their farthest advancement since 1930. He played for D.C. (1996-98), Columbus (2004), Chicago (200506), Colorado (2007) and the

ACC Commissioner Phillips stays optimistic amid league’s uncertain chances for multiple CFP bids

The league has no favorite, but several teams control their own destiny

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips knows his league is on uncertain footing when it comes to getting multiple bids to the College Football Playoff, particularly as several ranked league teams stumbled in recent games.

He’s also quick to point out there’s still time for the ACC to hit that goal all the same.

“I’m not dejected. I’m not despondent or any of those types of things,” Phillips said Saturday, after watching No. 23 Pittsburgh lose at home to No. 9 Notre Dame in lopsided fashion. “You always want to win more games and the rest of it. But we still have games to be played against really good opponents.”

The ACC has five AP Top 25 teams — yet no clear headliner. That means the league has multiple playoff candidates after entering the weekend with five 1-loss teams in the ACC standings, yet no one locked.

Phillips maintains optimism considering there are so many moving parts in play. For example: while Pitt (No. 22 CFP) lost ground with the loss, that only strengthens the Fighting Irish’s case — which in turn would aid No. 16 Miami (No. 15 CFP) by keeping the Hurricanes’ season-opening win against the Irish as a standout W.

Phillips’ message is simple: Multiple ACC teams still control their own destiny.

“I haven’t seen a week go by in college football that if you don’t win, you don’t move up,” Phillips said. “Maybe not drastically, but the idea is you have to continue to win. And if you continue to win, you have a strong possibility that you are going to move up within the rankings.”

Still, it has been a strange year for the ACC with unexpected highs and high-profile flops.

Preseason favorite Clemson opened the year ranked No. 4 nationally but has been working in recent weeks just to become bowl eligible. Florida State looked to have regrouped from last year’s two-win disaster with a season-opening statement win against Alabama, only to start 0-4 in the league on the way to extending the 2024 misery.

On Rt 211 just inside Hoke County.

In the meantime, as Miami peaked at No. 2, Georgia Tech reached No. 8 while starting 8-0 and Virginia hit No. 12 after starting 5-0 in ACC play despite being picked to finish 14th in the 17-team football league.

And yet, the Hurricanes and Yellow Jackets both stumbled on Nov. 1, with Miami suffering its second loss at SMU and Georgia Tech falling at NC State. Virginia lost at home to Wake Forest last week before regrouping to win at Duke on Saturday. And No. 20 Louisville has lost consecutive home games to California and then Friday against Clemson after a 7-1 start that put the Cardinals in the chase.

It very nearly got worse, too. Georgia Tech survived Saturday on a final-seconds field goal against a Boston College that entered the day at 1-9.

“The league itself has played good football all year,” Phillips said. “We’ve suffered some from maybe not being as consistent from week to week. But we’ve also cannibalized ourselves some as well within the league. I think every league goes through that. It just seems like that’s happened more to us recently, over the last three weeks.”

LA Galaxy (2009) along with stints at Hertha Berlin (19912001) and Nuremberg (200104), and won MLS titles in 1996 and 1997.

O’Reilly, Heath and Wondolowski were picked from the player ballot. The top two are elected if they each receive at least 50% and a third is elected if receiving at least 75%.

O’Reilly got 47 of 48 votes for 97.9%, followed by Heath (45, 93.8%), Wondolowski (37, 77.1%), Keith Johnson (33, 68.8%), Samantha Mewis (32, 66.7%), Dwayne DeRosario (29, 60.4%), Amy Rodriguez (28, 58.3%), Kyle Beckerman (27, 56.3%), Robbie Keane (20, 41.7%), Oguchi Onyewu (19, 39.6%), Jermaine Jones (17, 35.4%), Maurice Edu (16, 33.3%), Diego Valeri (13, 27.1%), Michael Archer (12, 25%), Stephanie Lopez Cox (12, 25%), Chad Marshall (11, 22.9%), Mike Lawson (10, 20.8%), Carlos Ruiz (7, 14.6%), Matt Besler (6, 12.5%) and Geoff Cameron (5, 10.4%).

Sanneh and Crow were chosen from the veteran ballot, in which the top vote-getter is elected if receiving at least 50%

and a second if receiving at least 75%. Sanneh was on 21 of 24 ballots (87.55%) and was followed by Crow (19, 79.2%), Tatu (17, 70.8%), Tiffany Roberts (16, 66.7%), David Beckham (11, 45.8%), Clint Mathis (10, 41.7%), Lorrie Fair (6, 25%), Chico Borja (5, 20.8%), Aly Wagner (5, 20.8%) and Francis Farberoff (1, 4.2%).

Seitz, 55, referred refereed nine games at the Women’s World Cup in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011, and six at the Olympics in 2004, 2008 and 2012. She became the U.S. Soccer Federation’s vice president of referees in 2024.

Seitz was on the builder ballot, which this year included only referees. The top voter-getter is picked if receiving at least 50%.

For the Builder Ballot, the 2026 rotation considered candidates from the referee category only. Election procedures call for the Builder named to the most ballots (and on at least 50% of the ballots) to be elected. Seitz got 19 of 24 votes (79.2%) and was followed by Gino D’Ippolito (10, 41.7%), Brian Hall (6, 25%) and Mark Geiger (4, 16.7%).

ACC Commissioner James J. Phillips,

visits with Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi in the locker room before a game against Notre Dame

Phillips can look back to last year’s results for hope. Clemson sneaked into the ACC title game when then-No. 6 Miami blew a 21-0 loss at Syracuse in a loss that ultimately kept the Hurricanes out of the CFP. The Tigers edged SMU for the ACC title to reach the CFP, while

the Mustangs made the ACC a two -bid league. “I’m still hopeful that we’ll be a multiple-bid league,” Phillips said. “There’s nothing that says that we’re eliminated from that. There’s football not only to be played in the ACC, but throughout the country.”

salute to seniors

Local football players see their seasons and high school careers come to a close

Two of the county’s football teams saw their seasons come to an end as the NCHSAA playoffs roll into the third round. That ended the high school soccer careers for their respective senior classes.

Here’s a look at the West Stanly seniors who are moving on. (Rosters and class designations from MaxPreps)

West Stanly

Co-captain Carter Yow

Co-captain Sam Yarbrough

Co-captain Kaleb Cullingford

Hudson Snider

Maverick Scott

Pedro Mincitar

Reece Huneycutt

Ean Helms

Hunter Puckett

James Whitley

Albemarle also wrapped up its season with a second-round loss. Here are the Bulldogs seniors on the team.

Albemarle

Leading tackler Jonpierre Browne

Tahj McLendon

Josiah Jackson

Daniel Brahman

Kendon Phillips

Malakhi Harrison

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

South Stanly, football

Jasiah Holt is a senior for the South Stanly football team.

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls advanced to the third round of the state playoffs with a 38-0 win over Christ the King, and Holt contributed to four of the touchdowns. He ran for 108 yards, a 15.4-yard average on his seven carries, and scored once on the ground. He caught two passes, both for touchdowns, for a total of 93 yards. He also stepped in at quarterback briefly, completing 2 of 5 passing for 21 yards and a touchdown.

Reaching 67 points creating ‘6-7’ frenzy at college basketball games across the country

The fad has crowds excited, while older fans are confused

The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk hears the popular catchphrase

“6-7” all the time at home, possibly more often than please and thank you.

Getting an earful of it at a women’s basketball game, well, that was new for the mother of three.

Baranczyk and the sixth-ranked Sooners became the latest college team to send fans into a frenzy when they hit 67 points in an 89-61 victory against North Alabama on Friday.

Hundreds of students on a field trip screamed their approval along with the ubiquitous phrase and juggled their hands up and down to mimic a video that went viral earlier this year.

Sports viewers might have seen the motion before, perhaps in six or seven NFL games.

“I did not do it because I was like, ‘Yep,’” said Baranczyk, who has a son and two daughters.

“I knew it. But I’m like, ‘Gotta give the people what they want sometimes.’”

A scoreboard shows a point total that has suddenly skyrocketed in popularity.

Raegan Beers, who finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the victory, raved about the OU bench reaction. Teammates, assistant coaches and staffers celebrated simultaneously in similar fashion.

Beers said teammates Payton Verhulst, who made a 3-pointer to give Oklahoma a 66-33 lead, and Zya Vann were trying to draw fouls, presumably so they could shoot free throws.

“We got so excited to do that,” Beers said. “We knew the kids were going to get excited about

that. That’s the joy of this game. That’s why I love this game. Just to have that energy in the building and lean into what is trending at the moment, which is 6-7, whatever that means. It was so much fun to have that moment and let the kids enjoy it.”

The trend has seeped into team introductions. UNC’s Elijah Davis, a reserve, has the role of “designated hand shaker” during player intros, coming up with a custom shake for each Tar Heel starter. Davis, who wears jersey No. 6 and No. 7

Seth Trimble — a starter before suffering an injury last week — did the hand-juggling gesture as part of their pregame handshake each game.

Dictionary.com made the viral term “6-7” its word of the year, and it isn’t even really a word. It’s a phrase kids and teenagers can’t stop repeating and laughing about while parents and teachers can’t make any sense of it. The word — if you can call it that — exploded in popularity over the summer. It’s more of

an inside joke with an unclear meaning, driven by social media.

Dictionary.com says its annual selection is a linguistic time capsule reflecting social trends and events. But the site admitted it too is a bit confused by “6-7.” “Don’t worry, because we’re all still trying to figure out exactly what it means,” the site said in its announcement last month.

How did “6-7” become a thing?

It all seems to trace back to rapper Skrilla’s song from 2024 called “Doot Doot (6-7).”

That song started appearing in TikTok videos with basketball players, including the Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball who stands 6-foot-7.

Then a boy, now known as “The 6-7 Kid,” shouted the ubiquitous phrase while another kid next to him juggled his hands in a video that went viral this year. That’s all it took.

So what does “6-7” mean? The real answer is no one knows, but it’s widely regarded as harmless. Unlike some other trends that have come and gone, there’s not believed to be an inappropriate backstory to the craze.

According to Dictionary.com, the phrase could mean “so-so,” or “maybe this, maybe that” when combined with the juggling hands gesture.

Merriam-Webster calls it a “a nonsensical expression used especially by teens and tweens.” Regardless, it’s trending at basketball games when a team nears 67 points.

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NOTICES

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25CVSPATRICK LARSEN and spouse, MELISSA LARSEN Plaintiffs, vs. TED W. DAVIS, Guardian, Ad Litem for All Persons, Firms and Corporations, As Well As For All Lien Creditors, Including But Not

To Any Defendants Herein Referenced (Male, Female or Fictitious Entity Such As A Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership And The Like) Who Or Which May Be Under A Disability At Law (Including Incompetency, Minority Or Corporate/Company Suspension), As Well As All Persons En Ventre Sa Mere And All Persons, Firms or Corporations Who Or Which May Have Any Contingent, Leasehold Or Future Ownership or Lien Encumbrance Interest, Defendant.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION TO: ALL DEFENDANTS HEREINABOVE NAMED OR REFERENCED (EXCEPTING TED W. DAVIS, GUARDIAN AD LITEM):

TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: To have the Court declare the owners of Lots Nos. 20, 21 and 22 on Exhibit A hereto to be the real property of Patrick Larsen and spouse, Melissa Larsen, the Plaintiffs herein, on the basis of their ownership of said realty in accordance with the doctrine of “Adverse Possession” under “Color of Title” in order to “Quiet Title” thereto. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than July 16, 2025, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought.

This the 2nd day of October, 2025. David A. Beaver Attorney for Plaintiffs Post Office Box 1338 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002 Telephone: (704) 982-4915 State Bar No. 007603 Publish November 1/2, 8/9, 15/16 and 22/23, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having qualified as the Executrix of the Estate of Arthur Winston Sells, Jr. late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned Administratrix on or before the 28th day of February, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This the 12th day of November, 2025.

Pamela S. McIntrye Executrix of the Estate of Arthur Winston Sells, Jr. 2504 Riverbend Road Jamestown, NC 27282

David A. Beaver Attorney for the Executrix 160 N. First Street (P.O. Box 1338) Albemarle, NC 28001 (28002) 704-982-4915

Dates of publication: November 22 and 29 and December 6 and 13, 2025

NOTICE

Center Rural Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department < Inc. PO Box 1320 Norwood , North Carolina 28128 Center Rural Vol. Fire & Rescue Dept. Inc will be having their Annual Meeting on December 4 2025 at 7:00 PM located at the Fire Dept. at 116 South Main St. Norwood NC

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000592-830 NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of the late,

in Stanly County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows (the “Property”): Lying and being on the South side of the Raleigh-Charlotte Highway near East Albemarle Consolidated School, and being all of Lot 17 (Combination of Lots 16 and 17),

required by Section 7A-308(a)(1) of the North Carolina General Statutes. If the purchaser of the above-described property is someone other than the Beneficiary under the Deed of Trust, the purchaser shall also pay, to the extent applicable, the land transfer tax in the amount of one percent (1%) of the purchase price. To the extent this sale involves residential property with less than fifteen (15) rental units, you are hereby notified of the following: (a) An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to Section 45-21.29 of the North Carolina General Statutes in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold; and (b) Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The 30th day of October, 2025.

One Tech Tip: Do’s and don’ts of using AI to help with schoolwork

Chatbots can be helpful, but they won’t do it for you

By Kelvin Chan and Jocelyn Gecker The Associated Press

THE RAPID rise of ChatGPT and other generative AI systems has disrupted education, transforming how students learn and study.

Students everywhere have turned to chatbots to help with their homework, but artificial intelligence’s capabilities have blurred the lines about what it should — and shouldn’t — be used for.

The technology’s widespread adoption in many other parts of life also adds to the confusion about what constitutes academic dishonesty.

Here are some do’s and don’ts on using AI for schoolwork.

Don’t just copy and paste

Chatbots are so good at answering questions with detailed written responses that it’s tempting to just take their work and pass it off as your own.

But in case it isn’t already obvious, AI should not be used as a substitute for putting in the work. And it can’t replace our ability to think critically.

You wouldn’t copy and paste information from a textbook or someone else’s essay and pass it off as your own. The same principle applies to chatbot replies.

“AI can help you understand concepts or generate ideas, but it should never replace your own thinking and effort,” the University of Chicago says in its guidance on using generative AI. “Always produce original work, and use AI tools for guidance and clarity, not for doing the work for you.”

So don’t shy away from putting pen to paper — or your fingers to the keyboard — to do your own writing.

“If you use an AI chatbot to write for you — whether explanations, summaries, topic ideas, or even initial outlines — you will learn less and perform more poorly on subsequent exams and attempts to use that knowledge,” Yale University’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning says. Do use AI as a study aid

Experts say AI shines when it’s used like a tutor or a study buddy. So try using a chatbot to explain difficult concepts or brainstorm ideas, such as essay topics.

California high school English teacher Casey Cuny advises his students to use ChatGPT to quiz themselves ahead of tests.

He tells them to upload class notes, study guides and any other materials used in class, such as slideshows, to the chatbot, and then tell it which textbook and chapter the test will focus on.

Then, students should prompt the chatbot to: “Quiz me one question at a time based on all the material cited, and after that create a teaching plan for everything I got wrong.”

“AI can help you understand concepts or generate ideas, but it should never replace your own thinking and effort.”

University of Chicago

Cuny posts AI guidance in the form of a traffic light on a classroom screen. Green-lighted uses include brainstorming, asking for feedback on a presentation or doing research. Red lighted, or prohibited AI use: Asking an AI tool to write a thesis statement, a rough draft or revise an essay. A yellow light is when a student is unsure if AI use is allowed, in which case he tells them to come and ask him. Or try using ChatGPT’s voice dictation function, said Sohan Choudhury, CEO of Flint, an AI-powered education platform.

“I’ll just brain dump exactly what I get, what I don’t get” about a subject, he said. “I can go on a ramble for five minutes about exactly what I do and don’t understand about a topic. I can throw random analogies at it, and I know it’s going to be able to give me something back to me tailored based on that.”

Do check your school’s AI policy

As AI has shaken up the academic world, educators have been forced to set out their policies on the technology.

In the U.S., about two dozen states have state-level AI guidance for schools, but it’s unevenly applied.

It’s worth checking what your school, college or university says about AI. Some might have a broad institutionwide policy.

The University of Toronto’s stance is that “students are not allowed to use generative AI in a course unless the instructor explicitly permits it” and students should check course descriptions for do’s and don’ts.

Many others don’t have a blanket rule.

The State University of New York at Buffalo “has no universal policy,” according to its online guidance for instructors. “Instructors have the academic freedom to determine what tools students can and cannot use in pursuit of meeting course learning objectives. This includes artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT.”

Don’t hide AI use from teachers

AI is not the educational bogeyman it used to be.

There’s growing understanding that AI is here to stay and the next generation of workers will have to learn how to use the technology, which has the potential to disrupt many industries and occupations.

So students shouldn’t shy away from discussing its use with teachers, because transparency prevents misunderstandings, said Choudhury.

“Two years ago, many teachers were just blanket against it. Like, don’t bring AI up in this class at all, period, end of story,” he said. But three years after ChatGPT’s debut, “many teachers understand that the kids are using it. So they’re much more open to having a conversation as opposed to setting a blanket policy.”

Teachers say they’re aware that students are wary of asking if AI use is allowed for fear they’ll be flagged as cheaters. But clarity is key because it’s so easy to cross a line without knowing it, says Rebekah Fitzsimmons, chair of the AI faculty advising committee at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.

“Often, students don’t realize when they’re crossing a line between a tool that is helping them fix content that they’ve created and when it is generating content for them,” says Fitzsimmons, who helped draft detailed new guidelines for students and faculty that strive to create clarity.

The University of Chicago says students should cite AI if it was used to come up with ideas, summarize texts, or help with drafting a paper.

“Acknowledge this in your work when appropriate,” the university says. “Just as you would cite a book or a website, giving credit to AI where applicable helps maintain transparency.”

And don’t forget ethics

Educators want students to use AI in a way that’s consistent with their school’s values and principles.

The University of Florida says students should familiarize themselves with the school’s honor code and academic integrity policies “to ensure your use of AI aligns with ethical standards.”

Oxford University says AI tools must be used “responsibly and ethically” and in line with its academic standards.

“You should always use AI tools with integrity, honesty, and transparency, and maintain a critical approach to using any output generated by these tools,” it says.

famous birthdays this week

Miley Cyrus is 33, Berry Gordy Jr. turns 96, Rich Little is 87, Howie Mandel turns 70

THESE celebrities have birthdays this week.

NOV. 23

Actor Franco Nero (“Django”) is 84. Singer Bruce Hornsby is 71. Poet and author Jennifer Michael Hecht is 60. Olympic gold medal sprinter Asafa Powell is 43. Ice hockey player Nicklas Bäckström is 38. Singer-actor Miley Cyrus is 33.

NOV. 24

Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson is 87. Rock drummer Pete Best is 84. Actor-comedian Billy Connolly is 83. Actor Colin Hanks is 48.

NOV. 25

Football Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs is 85. Actor John Larroquette is 78. Dance judge Bruno Tonioli (TV: “Dancing with the Stars”) is 70. Musician Amy Grant is 65. Television personality Jenna Bush Hager and twin sister Barbara Pierce Bush, daughters of former President George W. Bush, are 44.

NOV. 26

Impressionist Rich Little is 87. Football Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud is 83. Author Marilynne Robinson is 82. Bass guitarist John McVie (Fleetwood Mac) is 80. Football Hall of Famer Art Shell is 79.

NOV. 27

Fashion designer Manolo Blahnik is 83. Film director Kathryn Bigelow is 74. Science educator and TV host Bill Nye (aka the Science Guy) is 70. Actor Robin Givens is 61. Actor Michael Vartan is 57. Baseball Hall of Famer Iván Rodríguez is 54. Actor Jaleel White is 49.

NOV. 28

Recording executive Berry Gordy Jr. is 96. Football Hall of Famer Paul Warfield is 83. Former “Late Show” band leader Paul Shaffer is 76. Actor Ed Harris is 75. Actor Judd Nelson is 66. Rock drummer Matt Cameron is 63. Comedian and talk show host Jon Stewart is 63.

Kiss

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Jaleel White, best known for his role as Steve Urkel, turns 59 on Thursday.

turn 44 on Tuesday.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO Musician Bruce Hornsby turns 71 on Sunday.

NOV. 29

Filmmaker Joel Coen is 71. Actor-TV personality Howie Mandel is 70. Actor Cathy Moriarty is 65. Actor Kim Delaney is 64. Actor Andrew McCarthy is 63. Actor Don Cheadle is 61.

Bagpipers

claim world record with AC/DC’s

‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’

Guitarist Angus Young joined the “Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash” last week

By Rod McGuirk The Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia

— Hundreds of bagpipers claimed a new world record last Wednesday by belting out AC/DC’s rock and roll classic “It’s a Long Way to the Top.”

Billed as “The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash,” the eclectic performance took place in Melbourne’s Federation Square on Swanston Street, which was the scene of the Australian hard rock band’s 1976 film clip in which they played the hit on the back of a flatbed truck traveling slowly through downtown traffic with music blaring from speakers.

Federation Square is also a short stroll from the Melbourne Cricket Ground where AC/DC were scheduled to play their first Australian gig in a decade last Wednesday. Guitarist Angus Young, 70, is the only band member who played on the truck and is performing on the latest Australian tour.

Thousands of spectators crammed the square for the world record attempt. Many of the 374 pipers had to squeeze through the crowd to the stage area. The oldest piper was 98 years old, organizers said.

“I think Aussie crowds are going to be way better than the U.S. I think it’s going to be more eventful, more head banging, more excitement with the crowds.”

Keegan Kohler, AC/DC

fan

Among the bagpipers was Les Kenfield and Kevin Conlon, two of the three members of Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums who played with AC/DC on the truck 49 years ago.

“It didn’t strike you at the time how big this event is until now,” Kenfield told Australian Broadcasting Corp. “Now it’s one of the greatest things — probably the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Having been declared world record holders, the massed pipers played “Happy Birthday” on request, followed by an impromptu “Amazing Grace” to a cheering crowd, many using their phones to record the moment.

The Australian Book of Records, which has been certifying records since 2012, confirmed that 374 pipers had together broken a record set by 333 pipers in Bulgaria in 2012.

One AC/DC fan who didn’t

see the record set was Keegan Kohler, 23, a self-employed electrician from Columbus, Ohio. He had been waiting outside the concert stadium since 4:50 a.m. to ensure he’d be first in when the gates opened at 5 p.m. The bagpipes record was set nearby at 5:15 p.m.

Kohler had seen AC/DC perform their “Power Up Tour” this year in Cleveland, Ohio, Washington, D.C., Detroit and Pittsburgh, but expected the experience would be better in the band’s home country.

“I think Aussie crowds are going to be way better than the U.S.,” he said. “I think it’s going to be more eventful, more head banging, more excitement with the crowds.”

Kohler also reacquainted himself outside the stadium with Stephen Scott from Charlotte.

Scott, a 33-year-old real estate agent, has seen the current tour multiple times in Europe, and the United States, and he wanted to see the band perform in Australia.

“I’ve always talked about wanting to see them here. This is the first opportunity really to do it and maybe the last,” Scott said. His fiancée, Amber Thompson ,said it was Scott’s idea to travel 10,000 miles for the concert.

“I enjoy it, but I probably wouldn’t be here if I didn’t know him,” she said, referring to Scott, whom she described as the true fan.

guitarist Frehley died from injuries suffered in fall

His stage names were “Space Ace” and “The Space Man”

The Associated Press

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss, died from blunt force injuries to the head that he suffered in a fall last month, an autopsy has determined.

Frehley died peacefully on Oct. 16 surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, a few weeks after the fall occurred, according to his agent.

The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Frehley’s death was an accident. The report said Frehley, 74, suffered facial fractures near the eyes and left ear and also had bruising on his left abdomen and thigh area and his right hip and upper thigh.

Kiss, whose hits included “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” was known for its theatrical stage shows, with fire and fake blood spewing from the mouths of band members dressed in body armor, platform boots, wigs and signature black-and-white face paint.

Kiss’ original lineup included Frehley, singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, tongue-wagging bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss. Frehley’s is the first death among the four founding members.

“I can’t even read notes. But I can teach someone how to make a guitar smoke.”

Ace Frehley

Band members took on the personas of comic book-style characters — Frehley was known as “Space Ace” and “The Spaceman.” The New York-born entertainer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer often experimented with pyrotechnics, making his guitars glow, emit smoke and shoot rockets from the headstock.

Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at age 13. Before joining Kiss, he played in local bands around New York City and was a roadie for Jimi Hendrix at age 18.

Kiss was especially popular in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing its iconic look to become a marketing marvel. “Beth” was its biggest commercial hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976.

Frehley frequently feuded with Stanley and Simmons through the years. He left the band in 1982, missing the years when they took off the makeup and had mixed success.

But he rejoined Kiss in the mid-1990s for a triumphant re

this week in history

Ruby kills Oswald, “Casablanca” premiers, Grand Ole Opry debuts, George Harrison dies at 58

NOV. 23

1863: Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s Union forces drove Confederates from Chattanooga, Tennessee, in a key Civil War victory.

1939: The British cruiser HMS Rawalpindi was sunk by German warships near Iceland, killing over 200.

1984: Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie completed one of the most famous passes in college football history, connecting with Gerald Phelan for a 48-yard touchdown as time expired to beat Miami 47-45.

NOV. 24

1859: British naturalist Charles Darwin published “On the Origin of Species,” outlining his theory of evolution through natural selection.

1963: Jack Ruby shot and fatally wounded Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, in a scene broadcast live on television.

1971: Hijacker “D.B. Cooper” parachuted from a Northwest Orient jet with a $200,000 ransom and was never found.

NOV. 25

1783: Following the end of the Revolutionary War, the last British troops in the United States were evacuated from New York City.

1963: The body of President John F. Kennedy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery after a funeral procession through Washington, D.C.

1986: The Iran-Contra affair broke when President Ronald Reagan revealed profits from secret Iran arms sales were sent to Nicaraguan rebels.

1999: Elian Gonzalez, a 5-year-old Cuban boy, was rescued by two sport fishermen off the coast of Florida, setting off an international custody battle that eventually saw him repatriated to his father in Cuba.

NOV. 26

1791: President George Washington held his first full cabinet meeting with Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox and Edmund Randolph.

1864: English mathematician Charles Dodgson presented “Alice’s Adventures Under Ground” to 12-year-old Alice Liddell, later published as “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” under the pen name Lewis Carroll.

1942: The film “Casablanca,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, premiered in New York City.

NOV. 27

1895: Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel signed a will allocating most of his fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes, honoring achievements in peace, physics, chemistry, literature and physiology or medicine.

1934: Bank robber Lester Joseph Gillis — better known as George “Baby Face” Nelson — was killed in a shootout with FBI agents in Barrington, Illinois.

1978: San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and city supervisor Harvey Milk, a leading gay rights advocate, were shot and killed inside City Hall by former Supervisor Dan White.

NOV. 28

1520: Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan reached the Pacific Ocean after navigating the strait that now bears his name.

1925: The Grand Ole Opry — then known as the WSM Barn Dance — debuted on Nashville’s WSM radio. It endures as the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

2001: Enron Corp., once the world’s largest energy trader, collapsed after would-be rescuer Dynegy Inc. backed out of an $8.4 billion takeover deal. (Enron filed for bankruptcy protection four days later.)

NOV. 29

1864: A Colorado militia carried out an unprovoked assault on a Cheyenne and Arapaho encampment, killing an estimated 230 people in what became known as the Sand Creek Massacre.

1929: Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard E. Byrd, pilot Bernt Balchen, radio operator Harold June and photographer Ashley McKinney completed the first airplane flight over the South Pole.

2001: Former Beatle George Harrison died in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer; he was 58.